World’s Hottest Month Sparks Fresh Calls for Renewable Energy Investment in Africa

On July 18th, 2024, 350Africa.org and partners launched the REPower Afrika campaign during the hottest month recorded globally. This ambitious initiative aims to unite regional renewable energy projects and advocate for increased investment in clean energy across the continent.

Africa faces severe impacts from climate change, with extreme weather events like droughts and heavy rains causing substantial damage. Despite these challenges, fossil fuel infrastructure projects threaten the region's stability. REPower Afrika highlights community-led renewable energy as a superior alternative, promising economic and environmental benefits.

Key to this transition are substantial investments from financial institutions and enabling policies from African governments. IRENA projects that renewable energy could generate up to 1.5 million jobs in East Africa by 2050, far surpassing the job potential from fossil fuel projects like EACOP.

Solar installations are already improving lives and creating green jobs in regions affected by EACOP. REPower Afrika advocates for more such projects, aiming to hold ten gatherings across Uganda and Tanzania, and solidarity actions in several other African nations.